Billy Bishop

"Loving Husband, Father and Grandfather"

Lake Junaluska, Billy Penney Bishop, 91, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2017 at his residence.

A native of Greenville, South Carolina he was the son of the late Rowland King and Eva Penney Bishop. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his older sister, Margaret L'Ecuyer. Billy spent his childhood in Greenville, South Carolina. He joined the Navy at age 17, and had a career as a Naval Aviator. He attended Georgia Tech and later earned a business degree from The University of Tennessee. His second career as a New York Life agent was a source of great satisfaction for 50 years. Billy loved and faithfully served God through the ministries of First Baptist Church Waynesville where he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and on numerous committees. Playing his harmonica was a source of joy for himself and others. This past December marked 66 years of marriage to the love of his life, Rachel Buchanan Bishop. He loved the Buchanan family and especially the wonderful times at Greens Creek, the Buchanan family home.

Billy is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rachel Buchanan Bishop; daughter, Malene Nolte and her husband, Bill; son Bruce Bishop and his wife, Camille; beloved brother, David Bishop and his wife, Frances; grandchildren, Cecil and William Nolte, Cameron Bishop, and his wife, Aubrey, Catherine Gardner, and her husband, Casey; and four great-grandchildren, Abigail and Mallory Bishop, Anna Cate and Thomas Gardner; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at First Baptist Church Waynesville Sanctuary with Reverend Dr. Robert Prince and Reverend Dr. Jack Bishop officiating. Burial will follow at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. The family will greet friends from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel prior to the service.

The family is especially grateful for the loving services offered by "Care Angels".

Memorial gifts may be made to First Baptist Church of Waynesville, P.O. Box 690, Waynesville, NC 28786 or to Care Angels, P.O. Box 1372, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745.

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